Our Dues Philosophy

Congregation Kol Ami’s mission statement focuses on a commitment to creating and maintaining an intimate and involved Jewish community where spiritual growth, tradition, ritual, education, and learning provide meaning and comfort for our children, our families, and each other, and where one’s presence is valued and one’s absence is felt.  Our values tell us we need to always be mindful of creating opportunities for engagement and inclusivity instead of barriers.

For this reason, in 2021 after more than two years of research, we transformed our traditional dues model based on household demographics with a new ‘sustaining amount’ pledge model.

Each year members are informed of the budgeted operating cost for the congregation per household – the “sustaining amount”.  This “sustaining amount” is a simple calculation dividing the total budgeted expenses (including Religious School K-12 and adult education programming) for the coming year by the expected number of member households. We believe that this more transparent understanding of the congregational operating costs will lead to more informed choices by each member household.

We are acutely aware and understand that some households will not be able to contribute the sustaining amount, while others might be able to give more. We ask each of our members to decide what their total commitment will be for the next year, in keeping with the congregation’s financial needs, and their circumstances.

We would love to talk with you about how you can become part of our community. For more information about upcoming Shabbat services and events or membership in Congregation Kol Ami, email us or call Executive Director Elaine Stevens at 215-635-3110.

 

FAQ
What is included in the operating expense used to calculate the “sustaining amount”?

Answer
The following items are included:
• Congregational Dues
• Building-related Fees (as applicable)
• Religious School tuition and fees
• Operational Fees
• High Holiday member tickets

The following items are excluded:
• Fundraising campaigns
• B’nai Mitzvah Fees
• Individual donations to specific funds (i.e., Rabbi’s discretionary, Synagogue fund, etc.)
• Programs run out of our space (i.e., CSA)
• High Holy Day tickets for guest of the congregation (when applicable)